Business Conspiracy

In the world of business and commercial disputes, having an experienced litigator on your side could mean the difference between a successful negotiation or a long, drawn-out court battle.

Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia all recognize a common law cause of action for civil conspiracy, which can exist when damages result from two circumstances. First, a cause of action for business conspiracy may exist where two or more persons work together to achieve some criminal or unlawful purpose. Second, a cause of action for business conspiracy may arise where two or more persons work together to achieve some lawful purpose by a criminal or unlawful means.

Furthermore, Virginia also has created a statutory cause of action through Code of Virginia § 18.2-499 and § 18.2-500 for business conspiracy. Although the term “conspiracy” does not expressly appear in either statute, combining with another person or persons to purposely injure another’s reputation, trade, or business is actionable. Moreover, the statute allows one to seek tripled damages and attorney’s fees. This makes the theory difficult to resist pleading, and one can often find this count appended to a suit alleging other business torts. Perry Charnoff PLLC is experienced in handling these claims. Fill out our contact form for more information.